Francis Miller • 1925 - 2010

Francis Miller, 85, Burlington, ND, died Friday, September 17, 2010, in a Minot hospital.

Francis M. Miller was born May 22, 1925, a son of Aloys “Ollie” and Ella (Hoerter) Miller, on the family farm near Foxholm, ND.  He was raised in the area and educated at a country school for the first eight years and then attended high school in Foxholm.

Francis enlisted in the United States Marines August 21, 1943, at the age of 17. He proudly served his country during WWII and Korean War and was awarded three Purple Hearts. While stationed in Florida in 1957, he met and married Mary Ann Arnette of Pinehurst, NC. He was honorably discharged April 9, 1957.

Following his honorable discharge, they made their home in Foxholm and later moved to Burlington in 1966. Francis worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator for many years. Mary Ann passed away March 29, 1986.

Retiring in 1985, Francis devoted his time to gardening, his favorite hobby. When it came to planting tomatoes, he could never stop with a dozen plants; it was twenty-four or nothing, which went over big with his neighbors. If you couldn’t find him in his garden, you could always wave at him as he drove around the neighborhood looking for Rusty, his faithful wandering companion.

Much of Francis’ socializing took place among cucumbers and tomatoes. He was a man of few words but it was obvious that he appreciated his friends and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Foxholm.

Surviving family includes:  six children, Paige (Pedro) Diaz, Burlington, Sheri Lessner, Halandale Beach, FL, David (Judy) Miller, Minot, Jerry (Gloria) Miller, Burlington, Mary Lynn (Kelly) Brooks, Burlington, Jeannette (Ron) Bender, Dillsburg, PA;12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; sister, Connie Stammen, Minot; and Myrna (Ray) Messer, Derby, KS; sister-in-law, Verlene Miller, Burlington; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Ella “Ma Miller”; wife, Mary Ann; brothers, Harry, Ralph, and Alvin; sister, Evelyn Haider. We can’t forget his loyal buddy, Rusty.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Foxholm.

Interment:  St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Foxholm, ND.

Visitation:  Tuesday from Noon to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

To sign the online guest register for Francis

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